About

For over a Century, the Faculty of Education has shaped the future of education for the benefit of our society.  We offer a platform to address today’s grand challenges such as climate change and social inequality.  Our experts are ambitious and creative; our students are change-leaders in the making; and our partnerships with educators, government and industry are close and mutually beneficial.

The Dean of Education

Professor Jim Watterston, Dean
Professor Jim Watterston, Dean

From his first job as a teacher in a rural Indigenous classroom in his home state of Western Australia to his recent appointment as the Dean of the Faculty of Education (previously, the Melbourne Graduate School of Education) at the University of Melbourne, Professor Jim Watterston brings more than 35 years of successful experience across a diverse range of educational roles and sectors.

Jim spent his first ten years in the profession as a teacher before being promoted to the position of principal in a range of primary and secondary schools. He then progressed to the role of Regional Director in WA and Victoria before he was appointed as the Deputy Secretary of the Victorian Education Department, and Director General of both the ACT and, most recently, Queensland Departments of Education and Training. Jim was awarded a Doctorate in Education at the University of WA in 2004.

In addition to appointments to many educationally related Boards, Professor Watterston has previously served for six years as the National President for the Australian Council for Education Leaders, and is recognised as an influential advocate for the education sector. His contribution to education has been acknowledged both nationally and internationally with awards from a number of professional bodies and educational institutions including the highly prestigious Order of the Palmes Académiques (Chevalier) by the French Government in 2014 for a distinguished contribution to education.

Professor Jim Watterston
Dean, Faculty of Education
Enterprise Professor, Education Systems

Study and research

For me education is the most inspiring profession, it's the profession upon which all other professions rest. Professor Helen Cahill

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Government submissions

The Faculty of Education is pleased to contribute to the consultation on the Teacher Education Expert Panel Discussion Paper and the submission is structured to respond to each of the four reform areas of the Discussion Paper.

Teacher Education Expert Panel Discussion Paper response